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LIFE Mission Case : Supreme Court Extends Interim Bail Granted To M Sivasankar On Medical Grounds By 2 Months
Sheryl Sebastian
25 Sept 2023 11:28 AM IST
The Supreme Court on Monday extended the interim bail granted to M Sivasankar, Former Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala in the LIFE Mission corruption case by two months. Previously, Sivasankar had been granted interim bail for 2 months on medical grounds on 2nd August. He had approached the Top Court seeking bail in a money laundering case in connection with the LIFE...
The Supreme Court on Monday extended the interim bail granted to M Sivasankar, Former Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala in the LIFE Mission corruption case by two months.
Previously, Sivasankar had been granted interim bail for 2 months on medical grounds on 2nd August. He had approached the Top Court seeking bail in a money laundering case in connection with the LIFE Mission corruption case on grounds of ill-health. LIFE (Livelihood, Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) Mission project is a housing project initiated by the Kerala Government for the homeless.
Today, a bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh, extended the interim bail till December 5th, taking into consideration the medical condition of the accused and further treatment that is required.
"One surgery is complete and he is in rehabilitation. After that in 2nd week of October he requires another spinal surgery", Senior Advocate Jayanth Muthuraj(briefed by Advocate-on-Record Manu Srinath), for Sivasankar, informed the Court.
Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj opposed the application for extension of interim bail stating that there was no sufficient material for seeking extension. "Application after application is being filed, based on private certificates." he submitted in court.
"Section 45 (of PMLA) has become counter productive. Everyone will fall sick now." Justice Bopanna said in lighter vein.
"Tell the accused to take care of his health better", Justice Sundresh added.
The interim bail on 2nd August had been granted on the ground that he required surgery and post operative care. However, the Apex Court made it clear that he cannot visit any other place other than the hospital and his home, during the period of bail.
"In the matter of the present nature where some post operative treatment is also required, we are of the view that the applicant be released on bail to avail medical treatment for 2 months. The applicant shall not go to any other place, except the vicinity of his hospital and his home", the Court had said in its 2nd August order.
The money laundering case emanates out of alleged illegal gratification obtained for awarding the contract work for the LIFE Mission's project for building 140 housing units in Thrissur district, utilizing the funds donated by UAE Red Crescent, that was meant for the flood victims of Kerala. Sivasankar had been under custody since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on February 14 this year till he was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court.
Case Title: M. Sivasankar v. UoI And Anr | SLP(Crl) No. 5590/2023
